Due to monsoonal activity and heavy rainfall received across the forests, the Coconino and Kaibab National Forests have ended fire restrictions as of 6 a.m. Friday, July 16. The Kaibab National Forestwill also lift the Bill Williams Mountain closure.

Closures unrelated to fire and smoking restrictions remain in effect including the Raphael Fire around Sycamore Canyon, Mangum Fire on the North Kaibab Ranger District, and areas of the Slate Fire and Backbone Fire on the Coconino National Forest.

Prescott National Forest

Prescott National Forest and Grand Canyon National Park rolled back Stage II fire restrictions to Stage I restrictions at 8 a.m. on Friday, July 16. The Prescott National Forest also reduced shooting restrictions. Both restrictions will remain in effect until forest officials determine that conditions have changed sufficiently to reduce the risk of human-caused wildfire.

Stage I fire restrictions prohibit the following:

• Igniting, building, maintaining, or using a fire, including charcoal and briquettes outside a fire structure that is provided by the Forest Service within a designated area. 36 C.F.R. § 261.52(a).
• Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site, or while stopped in an area at least three (3) feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of any flammable material. 36 C.F.R. § 261.52(d).
• Exemptions to the restrictions include the following: Pursuant to 36 C.F.R. §261.50(e), the following persons are exempt from the provisions in this Order:
• Holders of Forest Service Special Use Authorizations are exempt from Prohibition #1 above, provided such fires are within a fire structure and they are within their permitted area.
• Persons using a stove or grill that is solely fueled by liquid petroleum or liquid petroleum gas (LPG) fuels.
• Persons using a stove fire in a designated area.
• Any Federal, State, or local officer, or member of an organized rescue or firefighting force in the performance of official duty.

Grand Canyon

Grand Canyon National Park will remain in stage 1 fire restrictions which requires that a campfire always be in a designated fire ring within a maintained campground. Inner canyon users can use gas cook stoves, but campfires and other open fires are never allowed below the rim. River users should continue to follow the conditions of their permit regarding fires along the Colorado River.

Visitors should continue to be fire aware and use extra care when visiting their public lands.

Taking a few precautions can make all the difference:

• Before going hiking or camping, check for fire restrictions and closures in the area.
• If you are using a portable stove, clear the area of grasses and other fine fuels and be careful to prevent the stove from tipping over.
• Consider alternatives to campfires even if they are allowed. During times of high fire danger unattended campfires are likely to escape.
• If you are a smoker, consider smoking only on paved surfaces or in an enclosed vehicle; and never toss cigarette butts on the ground. Use an ashtray or pack cigarette butts out in your pocket.
• If you are driving on unpaved roads, be careful of parking or driving your vehicle in tall, dry vegetation. Hot vehicle parts may start a fire.
• If you see smoke or fire, note the location and report it to authorities. Do NOT attempt to put out a fire by yourself.

Fire danger remains high across all forested land, including state, federal, county and private. Visitors are still asked to remain vigilant and avoid activities that could accidentally cause wildfires — refrain from campfires on dry and windy days and remember that it is always illegal to leave a campfire unattended. In addition, fireworks are never allowed on any National Forest land.

A full list of what each fire restriction stage means can be found on the Coconino National Forest and Kaibab National Forests’ websites.

Statewide fire restriction information can be found at www.wildlandfire.az.gov/fire-restrictions.

To view Forest Order 03-09-00-21-285: Prescott National Forest Emergency Stage 1 Fire Restrictions, visit “Alerts & Notices” on the Prescott National Forest website.

For the latest fire information in Grand Canyon National Park, visit https://www.nps.gov/grca/parkmagmt/fire-info.htm.